FRIENDS of Broomfield Celebrates 20 Years of Variety

By Melissa Ruzicka

There’s No Business Like Show Business”—and FRIENDS of Broomfield is proving just that as they take the stage for their 20th Annual Variety Show on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Parsons Theatre in Northglenn. The milestone theme, The Eras of FRIENDS, will take the audience on a journey through time, celebrating the organization’s story from its founding in 1998 to the exciting future that lies ahead.

The variety show, which began in 2006 with just five participants and a handful of volunteers, has blossomed into one of Broomfield’s most cherished traditions. Over the years, the stage has been filled with everything from heartfelt solos to show-stopping group numbers, all performed by FRIENDS participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Past themes have included The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and The Greatest Showman—a performance that deeply resonated with participants through the anthem “This Is Me.” This year, audiences will relive highlights from the last 19 shows while also enjoying fresh performances of uplifting hits like Katy Perry’s Firework and Katrina and The Waves’ Walking on Sunshine. Together, the music tells the story of FRIENDS across two decades: a story of hope, joy, resilience, and community.

Joining the leadership team this year are Sarah Nickles and Cynthia Stadd, who bring fresh energy to the show. Cynthia, an experienced performer with years of off-Broadway credits in New York, is co-choreographing alongside FRIENDS Founder and CEO, Gina Coufal. Their collaboration, along with returning leaders Rabin Walters and Brigitte Hipp, has infused the 20th anniversary production with creativity, polish, and excitement.

For the families and participants who call FRIENDS home, the Variety Show is more than just an afternoon of entertainment. It is an opportunity to shine, to be celebrated, and to share talents with a community that has supported them for over 20 years. Many families describe the annual show as one of the highlights of the year, a reminder of how far FRIENDS has come since its early days as a grassroots advocacy network.

As FRIENDS celebrates this milestone, they are also looking toward a bold future. With the recent purchase of land across the street from their current location, the organization is preparing for a capital campaign that will fund the construction of a new building. This expansion will allow FRIENDS to broaden programs, strengthen behavioral supports, and launch a social enterprise where participants can build the vocational skills they need to achieve their dream jobs.

Now in its 27th year, FRIENDS continues to provide person-centered opportunities through day services, residential support, employment programs, social activities, and more— enriching the lives of over 200 adults in our community.

Don’t miss this milestone celebration as FRIENDS take audiences through The Eras of FRIENDS. Join the fun Sunday, October 12, at 3:00 p.m. at the Parsons Theatre, 1 E. Memorial Parkway in Northglenn, for an unforgettable afternoon of music, dance, and inspiration.

Tickets are $30 and available now at www.friendsofbroomfield.org.